PBS Cruise on American Queen

Crown Cruise Vacations to Host PBS Cruise on American Queen

Crown Cruise Vacations has organized a cruise on the American Queen with experts from PBS history documentaries. The cruise will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and premiere the documentary “This Republic of Suffering.” The 12-night voyage begins on Aug. 9 and visits New Orleans; Vicksburg, Miss.; Helena, Ark.; Memphis and Ashport Landing, Tenn.; Paducah, Ky.; Savannah, Tenn.; Decatur, Ala.; and Chattanooga, Tenn.

The cruise will premiere “This Republic of Suffering,” the latest production by American Experience, weeks ahead of its national debut on PBS stations across the country. Based on the best-selling book “This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War” by historian and Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust, the documentary examines how the unprecedented death toll of the Civil War challenged American cultural attitudes about death and changed federal government policies regarding soldiers.

On the cruise will be Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ric Burns and producer Mark Samels. Burns, Samels and other guests will discuss the production with passengers aboard. Also appearing will be historians Brian Still Wills and James I. “Bud” Robertson Jr.; Barry Meadows, a Gen. Ulysses S. Grant tribute artist; Al Stone, a Gen. Robert E. Lee tribute artist; Cathy Barton and Dave Para, Civil War era musicians; and Bobby Horton, a Civil War historian and musician.

Fares range from $2,895 to $8,495, depending on the cabin category and number of guests, and include a one-night hotel stay both before and after sailing, shore adventures, and complimentary wine, beer and spirits.